iFish host Paul Worsteling and executive producer Tom Hughes hit Gold Coast during marlin run
The Gold Coast’s offshore and estuary fishing grounds will get a valuable plug across the country after Australia’s top fishing show jetted north for a last minute visit.
Beaches & Fishing
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THE Gold Coast’s offshore and estuary fishing grounds will get a valuable plug across the country after Australia’s top fishing show jetted north for a last-minute visit.
iFish, which screens on Network 10 and YouTube, will air two episodes, featuring a hunt for marlin about 50km off the city and catching prawns on the Logan River.
Executive producer Tom Hughes said he and host Paul Worsteling heard last Wednesday marlin were “going off” on the Coast.
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“We dropped everything and flew up Sunday,” Mr Hughes said.
Before long, iFish was gearing up at Labrador to head out alongside Coast fishers boasting considerable local knowledge.
Mr Hughes said the fishing was some of the best iFish had experienced in recent times.
He was not just referring to their catch – Mr Hughes heaped praise on the city’s helpful and enthusiastic anglers, who flocked to the water in recent days.
“On Monday we went on the Logan River and we went cast netting for banana prawns. It was phenomenal. It was out of this world.
“There was like 50 boats within two metes of each other throwing cast nets.
“We had locals and professional fishers coming up offering prawns and mud crabs. It blew our minds.
“Boats were hitting each other, no one cared – everyone was just out having a good time.”
Come Tuesday – Australia Day – iFish set off on a catamaran chasing black marlin.
“One of our rods buckled and took off. It was actually a 20kg cobia,” Mr Hughes said.
“Then we got two black marlin, one about 40kg and another about 80kg. They were kept in the water and released.
“It was just awesome and the footage is incredible.
“The show should hopefully push tourism a bit, considering COVID and how the market is.”
Mr Hughes said Coast fishers were fortunate the continental shelf was “super close”.
“You start catching marlin off the Gold Coast 40km out, which isn’t far,” he said.
“There was jet skis out there, even tinnies. It’s accessible for anyone and everyone – you just have to pick the right weather window.”
The episodes are due to screen in the next 10 weeks. Check out @ifishtv on social media or visit the show’s website.